WASHINGTON — Austal USA President Michelle Kruger will leave her post starting June 1, the shipbuilding company announced.
“We are deeply grateful for Michelle’s vision, commitment, and the lasting impact that she has made on our organization,” Chris Chadwick, chairman of Austal USA’s board of managers, said in a statement today announcing the change. “While Michelle is retiring from the day-to-day responsibilities of President, we’re pleased that she will continue her relationship with Austal USA as President Emeritus through June 1. In this role, she will remain a valued advisor and ambassador for the company.”
Eugene Miller — currently Austal USA’s chief operating officer — will step into the role of interim president and is being considered for Kruger’s job. Likewise, Chadwick will also take on responsibilities as Austal USA executive chairman.
“This transition has been carefully planned, and Austal USA is confident in the leadership structure in place,” Austal USA said in its news release today.
Kruger has been president of the shipbuilding company since April 2024. At the time she said in a statement, “I am thrilled and committed to lead Austal USA’s on-going growth as one of the Nation’s premier shipbuilders. Our growth in both surface ship and submarine module manufacturing is an incredible opportunity for us,” Breaking Defense previously reported.
Prior to her stint as president, Kruger served as the vice president of global services and support when she joined the shipbuilding company in 2022. Additionally, the company tapped her to serve as the interim president for Austal USA in 2023 when the previous president, Rusty Murdaugh, stepped down.
Before joining Austal USA, Kruger worked for General Dynamics at Electric Boat, Bath Iron Works, and NASSCO.
Austal USA, a subsidiary of Australian-based Austal Limited, is responsible for building steel and aluminum ships for both the Coast Guard and the Navy, including the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship.
